Technology adoption in groundnut cultivation in Sri Lanka

Any technology generated will be viable only if it is adopted by the growers. Although cultivated extent and production of groundnut have shown increasing trends during last two decade in Sri Lanka, there is no enough evidence on level of adoption of improved varieties and agronomic practices by ground nut growers. This study has aimed to estimate the adoption rates of technology and identify factors affecting technology adoption and farmers preferences. Quantitative and qualitative data were used to answer the research questions through a structured questionnaire by 255 farmers. Adoption rate was measured using descriptive statistics while developing an adoption score for key agronomic practices. Logistic regression analysis and stepwise multiple linear regression were, respectively assigned to measure factors affecting adoption of improved varieties and agronomic practices. Result indicated that adoption of an improved variety is 85% and out of this 81% adopted only Tissa variety. Agronomic practices were adopted only by 36% of the farmers. The study also found that seeds produced by the Department of Agriculture and good extension service had a strong influence on variety adoption where coefficient was 2.72 (p<0.001) and 1.27 (p<0.05) with odd ratio OR: of 15.2 and of 3.6, respectively. Linear regression verified that extension service and trainings have positively influenced on the adoption of agronomic practices. Poor socio-economic background indirectly caused stagnancy of knowledge and negative attitudes, non-exposure to new technologies, and limited access to credit. This study suggests that exposing farmers towards the technology through efficient communication mechanism and increase availability of inputs and marketing facilities should be in place to increase the ground nut production in Sri Lanka.